We’ve been fortunate a couple of times to have been gifted the golden fast track bundle but also used our own money back in the day to purchase singular shots for the rides at Alton Towers. We all know what it’s like when you are planning a trip to a theme park but want to guarantee you get the most out of your day then you end up toying with the idea of splashing the cash on fast tracks or not. So, let’s try and break it down to make it straightforward to decide.
When Are You Visiting?
This is a really important question to ask yourself. If you visit whilst the children are generally at school and it’s a weekday there’s little to no point investing in fast tracks. Even weekends during the fewer peak months like March, April, May & September typically are busy but not busy enough in my opinion to warrant any fast tracks. However, Summer Holidays, October & Fireworks are the key times to think about fast tracks.
How Often Do You Visit?
Is this a once-a-year or few-year kind of trip or will you be visiting again in the same season? The answer to this question will definitely help restrict it in my opinion. If you visit at least twice a year I think just plan your trip accordingly and experience the things you didn’t get a chance at the first time. If it’s a once in a while kind of trip on a busy period then fast tracks all the way.
Is There A Seasonal Event?
Events towards the backend of the year are the main ones where you’ll need a fast track to get half of what you plan to get done. Particularly firework days are commonly the most chaotic and busiest periods for the park they usually do sell out.
What’s Your Key Rides?
Make a little list of the rides you perhaps aren’t too worried about experiencing to the ones you have to encounter. That will help apprehend whether a singular fast track or bundle works better for you. If you have a Platinum Merlin Annual Pass don’t forget you do receive 3 £5 vouchers of fast track at Alton Towers. Take that along with you to the box office on the day to make sure you get the best value for money.
Is It Worthwhile?
The key points above will benefit you in understanding this decision. If you are someone who’s going once in a while and really wants to maximise your day but can only visit during a peak period then I think they are absolutely valuable. Of course, there is a variety of bundles / single fast tracks available so you can opt for the best fit for you. If you’re a regular like us then fast tracks are the last thing needed in my opinion. As a regular, you tend to pick up where you left off and it doesn’t matter if you don’t get everything done. So, the answer comes down to the questions needing to be asked above to see whether it’s worthwhile for you or not.
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I hope this is helpful in some sense for those planning their next visits!
Speak soon x